Waiter Paging, Simple but Effective

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Introduction:
One of the most popular products utilised by restaurant operators in the UK are waiter pagers, here is an overview of why.

In the dynamic and fast-paced environment of restaurants, efficiency is a key factor that contributes to customer satisfaction and operational success. One simple innovative tool that has significantly improved staff efficiency in the restaurant industry is the waiter pager system. Waiter pagers are wireless communication devices that enable seamless communication between the kitchen and serving staff, enhancing coordination and overall restaurant performance.

1. Streamlining Communication:
Waiter pagers serve as an effective means of streamlining communication between the kitchen and waitstaff. Traditionally, restaurant staff relied on verbal communication, bells, or even shouting to relay information from the kitchen area to the front of house. This manual process often led to misunderstandings, delays, and errors. Waiter pagers eliminate these challenges by providing a direct and instantaneous communication channel, ensuring that orders are promptly served and wait staff can remain front of house attending to customer orders.

2. Faster Turnaround Time:
One of the primary advantages of using waiter pagers is the significant reduction in turnaround time for customer orders. Chefs can call wait staff to the kitchen the moment a customers order is ready eliminating the need for wait staff to be waiting in the kitchen for orders to be completed. This results in quicker service, which is crucial in a competitive industry where customers increasingly value both speed and quality.

3. Increased Table Turnover:
Improved communication and faster service facilitated by waiter pagers contribute to increased table turnover. As tables are cleared and prepared for the next set of diners more efficiently, restaurants can accommodate more guests throughout busy peak times. This not only enhances revenue but also creates a positive impression of the restaurant as a place that values customers’ time.

4. Enhanced Customer Experience:
Efficient service made possible by waiter pagers directly contributes to an enhanced customer experience. When diners receive their orders promptly and accurately, they are more likely to have a positive perception of the restaurant. Waiter pagers also enable staff to provide better customer service by addressing special requests or dietary restrictions without delay, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

5. Improved Staff Productivity:
With waiter pagers handling the communication between the front and back of the house, restaurant staff can focus more on customer interactions and other essential tasks. This leads to improved staff productivity, as waiters can spend more time attending to customer needs, upselling, and ensuring a positive dining experience. The reduction in manual communication also minimises the risk of errors, allowing staff to perform their duties with greater confidence.

6. Cost-Efficiency:
Implementing waiter pager systems can be a cost-effective solution for restaurants in the long run. The initial investment in a waiter paging system is often outweighed by the increased efficiency and productivity they bring to the establishment. The positive impact on customer satisfaction and revenue will more than be cover the initial costs of implementing such systems.

Conclusion:
Waiter pagers have emerged as a game-changer in the restaurant industry, providing a reliable and efficient solution to communication challenges between the front and back of the house. By streamlining communication, reducing turnaround time, and enhancing overall staff productivity, waiter pagers contribute significantly to improved restaurant efficiency. As the industry continues to evolve & embrace more technological solutions waiter pagers will likely continue to be an essential solution for establishments seeking to provide exceptional service and stay competitive in a demanding market.

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Caterpillar UK – Streamlining Logistics Operations: Using Pagers to Call Drivers to Loading Bays

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Introduction

In the fast-paced world of logistics, every second counts. Efficient coordination of drivers and resources can make the difference between meeting delivery deadlines and incurring costly delays. For many companies, the technology of pagers interfaced with queuing software has emerged as a surprisingly effective solution to streamline operations and enhance productivity. In this case study article, we will explore how Caterpillar UK successfully implemented pager systems to call drivers to loading bays, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency, communication, and overall operational excellence.

The Challenge

Caterpillar UK’s Leicester production site, faced several challenges in their daily operations. One of the most pressing issues was the inefficient communication process used to call drivers to loading bays. The existing system relied heavily on an outdated message board system, which often led to communication breakdowns and wasted time. Drivers struggled to see the message board system, and valuable minutes were lost trying to reach them. The company realised the need for a more reliable and instant communication method to address these issues.

As can be the case with many companies network & data security is a major consideration when evaluating systems and if possible the company wanted to utilise a system that would not need to connect to the company computer network.

The Solution

After extensive research and evaluation of various communication solutions, Caterpillar UK contacted Pager Call Systems.

Pager Call Systems recommended the Driver Page system with screen based queuing software for operators. The decision was based on several key advantages that Driver Page offered over other methods:

  1. Network & Data Security: Pager Call Systems provided an isolated network for connectivity between the Touch Screens, Paging Transmitters & Pagers. This was a customised solution built by the technical team at Pager Call Systems for the Caterpillar project.
  2. Reliability: Pagers are known for their reliability, even in areas with weak mobile network coverage. This ensured that drivers could be reached consistently, reducing the risk of communication breakdowns.
  3. Instantaneous Communication: Pagers provide an immediate alert to the recipient, allowing drivers to respond promptly to loading bay requests.
  4. Clarity in Noisy Environments: Unlike mobile phones or walkie-talkies, pagers provided clear and audible messages even in noisy loading bay & yard environments.
  5. Speed of Deployment: Driver Page could be implemented at site in days rather than months. Utilising an isolated network system designed by Pager Call Systems would eliminate the need to use the company’s network.
  6. Cost-Effective: Driver Page was a cost-effective solution compared to investing in more complex communication systems.

Implementation

Caterpillar UK introduced Pager Call Systems Driver Page for drivers and loading bay personnel in two separate loading bay areas at the Leicester site. The process involved the following steps:

  1. Procurement: After extensive research Caterpillar arranged a demonstration of the Driver Page System at their site and Pager Call Systems conducted range testing on site to ensure full site coverage would be achieved by the specified equipment.
  2. System implementation: Pager Call Systems worked closely with the technical team at Caterpillar UK to ensure trouble free installation and implementation of the system.
  3. Training: Drivers and loading bay personnel were trained on how to use the Driver Page system effectively. This included receiving and acknowledging messages, understanding different codes for various instructions, operating the touch screen queuing system and producing wait time reports.
  4. Integration: The pager system was seamlessly integrated into the company’s existing communication & vehicle flow processes. Staff were given access to dedicated devices, and transport office personnel were equipped with devices to send messages.
  5. Testing: The pager system underwent rigorous testing to ensure it could effectively replace the existing communication methods without disruption.

Results

The implementation of a Driver Page system yielded impressive results for the Caterpillar UK:

  1. Improved Efficiency: Drivers could be called to loading bays instantly, reducing the waiting time and increasing overall productivity.
  2. Enhanced Communication: Pager messages were clear and easily understood, even in noisy environments, resulting in fewer errors and misunderstandings.
  3. Visibility: With the Driver Page System staff can see at a glance the number of vehicles waiting for loading bays, time waiting along with vehicles on bays.
  4. Reduced Delays: The new system significantly reduced the likelihood of delays caused by communication breakdowns.
  5. Cost Savings: The company experienced cost savings as Driver Page was more affordable than alternative communication solutions.

Conclusion

In an industry where efficient communication is paramount, the adoption of the Driver Page system to call drivers to loading bays has proven to be a game-changer for this Caterpillar UK. By embracing this reliable and cost-effective technology, they were able to streamline operations, reduce delays, and improve overall efficiency. This case study highlights the potential of simple technology to address modern logistical challenges, underscoring the importance of innovation in improving business processes.

Find out more Driver Page System

Introducing Connect First Responder – On Site Communication for Critical Alerts

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Introducing Connect First Responder: Your Trusted Lifeline in Times of Crisis

In the midst of emergencies, swift communication with first responders is paramount. Connect First Responder is an innovative product designed to provide immediate assistance precisely when you need it, utilising an on-site messaging platform like never before.

Connect First Responder has been designed to provide direct communication to emergency responders providing the flexibility to customise the system to your exact site requirements. Connect First Responder offers configurable touch screen call points, emergency buttons & PC based messaging platform ensuring all staff can communicate effectively with first aid & emergency responders.

Key Features:

  1. Instant Communication: With Connect First Responder, you can dispatch urgent messages instantly to first aid responders in real-time. Whether you’re facing a medical emergency, a safety concern, or any critical situation, our system ensures your distress call reaches first responders immediately.
  2. On-Site Messaging Platform: We’ve developed a dedicated messaging platform tailored exclusively for first aid & emergency responders. This ensures that your emergency message doesn’t get lost in unrelated communications. It streamlines communication, guaranteeing that your call for help takes top priority.
  3. Geo-Tagging: The system automatically includes your precise location when sending alerts. This feature proves invaluable in situations where every moment is vital. First aid responders can rapidly pinpoint your exact position, providing swift assistance.
  4. Customisable Alerts: Customize your alerts within Connect First Responder to match the nature of your emergency. Whether it’s a medical issue, a fire, a security threat, or any other scenario, you can tailor your message to ensure first responders comprehend the urgency and type of assistance required.
  5. User-Friendly Interface: Our user-friendly interface is designed for ease of use, even in high-stress situations. Activating the system is as simple as a single tap, making it accessible for all age groups.
  6. Secure and Reliable: Trust in the secure transmission of your messages to authorised first aid responders. Connect First Responder utilizes state-of-the-art encryption to safeguard your privacy and maintain the confidentiality of your emergency information.
  7. On Call Support: Our dedicated support team is accessible to provide assistance in any way necessary. We are committed to your safety and peace of mind.

Connect First Responder is an essential addition to businesses, schools, and medical facilities. It empowers individuals to take control of their safety and well-being by offering direct access to first aid & emergency responders during critical incidents.

Do not leave your safety to chance. With Connect First Responder, you can be confident that help is only a message away. Safeguard staff & visitors – invest in Connect First Responder today and experience the assurance of knowing that assistance is always within reach.

Find out more Connect First Responder

Ultra Trac RFID Table Tracking

Elevating Dining Dynamics: The Impact of Table Tracking Systems in Modern Restaurants

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The restaurant industry is undergoing a technological revolution, and table tracking systems have emerged as a significant innovation that is transforming the dining experience. These systems offer restaurants the ability to optimise operations, elevate customer service, and streamline communication between staff and diners. From efficient order management to personalised service, table tracking systems are reshaping the way restaurants operate and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.

The Rise of Table Tracking Systems:

Table tracking systems represent a new era of guest engagement and operational efficiency. Beyond the basic function of identifying table locations, these systems integrate seamlessly with various restaurant processes to create a dynamic and personalised dining journey:

  1. Efficient Order Management: Table tracking systems allow wait staff to accurately link orders to specific tables, ensuring that the right food reaches the right guests. This eliminates confusion and prevents delays in food delivery.
  2. Optimised Service: Staff can monitor the progress of each table’s order, ensuring timely service and allowing them to intervene if any issues or delays arise.
  3. Enhanced Guest Experience: With real-time updates on the status of their orders, staff can ensure guests are kept informed about their meals, reducing frustration and enhancing overall satisfaction.
  4. Seamless Communication: Table tracking systems facilitate communication between the kitchen, bar, and serving staff, reducing errors and streamlining the flow of operations.
  5. Personalised Service: By accessing data and order history, staff can provide tailored recommendations and ensure that special requests are met.

Scenarios Where Table Tracking Systems Excel:

  1. High-Volume Restaurants: In bustling restaurants with high customer turnover, table tracking systems help manage the influx of orders and ensure a seamless dining experience.
  2. Fast-Casual Establishments: Table tracking systems are a natural fit for fast-casual restaurants with counter ordering with food run to tables, where efficient service and quick order turnaround are essential.
  3. Customisation-Driven Dining: Restaurants that offer extensive customisation options, such as build-your-own meals, benefit from table tracking systems that accurately capture data for order delivery times.
  4. Order at Counter – Run to Table: For restaurant that take food orders at the counter, table tracking systems can be discreetly integrated to enhance service quality without disrupting the ambience, no more searching for which table a diner is seated at.

 

Benefits of Implementing Table Tracking Systems:

  1. Streamlined Operations: Table tracking systems improve workflow by minimising errors and miscommunication between staff members. This leads to faster service and a more efficient dining experience.
  2. Reduced Wait Times: With better order management and communication, table tracking systems contribute to shorter wait times for food and drinks.
  3. Enhanced Guest Satisfaction: The transparency and personalised service offered by table tracking systems enhance guest satisfaction, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.
  4. Data-Driven Insights: The data collected through these systems can offer valuable insights into wait times, peak hours, and ordering patterns, aiding in strategic decision-making.
  5. Staff Empowerment: By providing real-time information, table tracking systems empower staff to address guest concerns promptly and provide proactive solutions.
  6. Staff Efficiency: Providing complete visibility of where guests are seated ensures restaurant operators with the ability to utilise staff to run food to tables in the most efficient manner and operate with correct staffing numbers.
  7. Reporting: Table tracking systems can provide valuable data & management reports which operators can use to make strategic decisions to improve service standards & enhance the guest experience.

Implementing Effective Table Tracking Systems:

For a successful integration of table tracking systems, restaurants should consider the following:

  1. Seamless Integration: Choose systems that seamlessly integrate with the restaurant’s existing point-of-sale (POS) and order management systems.
  2. Staff Training: Train staff on how to use the system effectively and ensure they are provided with system data to improve food service times.
  3. Customisation: Opt for systems that can be tailored to match the restaurant’s branding and operational style.
  4. Maintenance and Updates: Regularly maintain and update the system to ensure it remains reliable and up-to-date.

Conclusion:

Table tracking systems are shaping the modern restaurant landscape by revolutionising how guests and staff interact. By improving order accuracy, enhancing communication, and providing a more personalised experience, these systems contribute to operational excellence and guest satisfaction. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, table tracking systems stand as a testament to the power of technology in creating seamless, efficient, and delightful dining experiences for guests.

Find out more Table Tracking

Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Introduces Quiet Call

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Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital is now using Quiet Call Patient Pagers.

Quiet Call Patient Paging frees patients from the confines of the waiting room allowing patients to relax in The Pod with a coffee from Costa. The innovative patient pagers help to reduce congested waiting areas and free up staff time locating patients.

Pager Call Systems is the largest provider of patient paging systems in the UK with thousands of pagers deployed in NHS Trusts throughout the country with fully networked systems with site wide coverage with many providing coverage of car parks and external areas.

For more information on the Quiet Call Patient Paging range contact us on 0845 6444109.

Scotney Castle Improves Service with Table Tracking

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Efficient table service is an important element of the Coach House Tea Room at Scotney Castle which is operated by the National Trust.

Scotney Castle has installed an Ultra Trac table location system at the Coach House Tea Room, with 22 tables inside the converted Coach House and 44 tables outside in the courtyard and lawn area. Customers were previously provided with a stylishly designed cat board showing their order number when they ordered food and this would be placed on their selected table.

For staff delivering food to diners this meant they would have to walk around the inside & outside seating area looking for the order number when delivering food.

With the new Ultra Trac system diners are given a tracker when they order food and once they are seated at their selected table they place the tracker on the table and the order & table is displayed on a screen allowing staff to see at a glance where any order is seated.

Mike Lynch Food & Beverage Manager at Scotney Castle comments “during busy periods we can have over 200 people seated at tables both inside & outside at the tea rooms, delivering food orders efficiently & offering a great customer experience is a priority for us and with our tables being spread over a large area operating with number boards was challenging.”

“With the new Ultra Trac system we now have a far more efficient operation, the moment a customer sits at a table and places the tracker on it we can see which table they are seated at and if we tap the order on screen the system displays a map showing where the table is located.”

“Staff love the new system as they can now see where any food order has to be delivered to and the chef can also see how many orders are waiting along with the time elapsed since ordering. For take away orders we can call the customers tracker from the touch screen and the tracker flashes & vibrates alerting the customer that their food order is ready for collection.”

“The Ultra Trac system is a great addition to our operation”.

See how to improve food service with the Ultra Trac Table Tracking System.

Staff Pagers Just Got Tough

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When we looked at redesigning our staff pagers we listened to feedback from our customers. Our customers said they would like a slimmer lightweight pager that looked stylish, they wanted a strong vibration alert that could be easily felt but not audible, great battery life and a robust pager that is waterproof.

Our design team took the feedback on board and completely redesigned a new staff pager. The V3 Staff Pager is IP65 rated to protect against water ingress, the V3 Staff Pager can be used outside in the rain and can withstand the rigours of the hospitality environment where staff may be handling the pager with wet hands and could even from time to time drop a pager in the sink.

The single board design and rubber bump bar not only ensures that the pager will withstand multiple drops but the single board construction also enabled us to build the thinnest staff pager available being only 17 mm thick.

Using the latest brushless ERM (eccentric rotating mass vibration motor) vibration motor ensured the V3 produced a powerful vibe whilst remaining virtually silent.

The V3 Staff Pager is supplied with 12 position smart charging bases ensuring that batteries are always charged to the optimum level and pager batteries can last up to 3 days between charging.

The ergonomically designed V3 sets the standard for what we believe is the the most stylish robust staff pager available.

The new sleek V3 Staff Pager is offered with all of our Server Call & Staff Call systems.

Find out more about Staff Call & Server Call Systems.

Business As Usual Despite Chip Shortage

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The global chip shortage is causing issues with supplies of products around the world, virtually all electronics uses microchips and our pagers and transmitters are no different. The global shortage of microchips has caused major disruption to production in many industries and the shortage has resulted in increased upward pressure on prices.

Fortunately despite the increased demand for microchips and lack of supply we have secured supplies of microchips for all of our production for the foreseeable future. Our component procurement for production is scheduled 12 months in advance and we have procured 300,000 microchips for our ongoing manufacturing across our group of companies.

Despite the cost of microchips spiralling five fold & air and sea freight costs tripling we are ensuring our products remain competitively priced and that we continue to deliver the highest quality systems for our customers.

Pager Call Systems remains committed to ensuring our customers receive the best service and products available at competitive pricing.

Touch Screen Call Points for Meeting Rooms

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Offering exceptional service to clients using meeting rooms in hotels & conference centres ensures your guests will use the facilities again and again. Call Point has been developed to ensure venues can offer clients instant communication with staff members at the touch of a button.

Call Point is a touch screen call for service system that offers you total control, Call Points can be either wall or desk mounted in as many meeting rooms as required. Each Call Point can be independently configured with one to six on screen call buttons. Each button can be customised with a choice of colour, button label and unique message to send.

Each Call Point Button is set to call individual staff members or multiple staff members. When a staff member is called they will be alerted on their slim Pager with the display showing the location of the Call Point and the message sent.

Call Point offers the user complete control with the option to reconfigure the number of buttons required on screen through the password protected user menus. With the option to reconfigure Call Point at any time your system is always up to date.

Ensuring messages are always delivered efficiently when your guests call for service is guaranteed using Call Points unique RF technology, even the largest buildings will receive full coverage with Call Point.

If you would like more information on how Call Point helps offer exceptional service to meeting rooms call us on 0800 774 7320.

Read more about Call Point here.

Queues for COVID-19 Vaccine – Quiet Call System Helps Manage Queues

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Pager Call Systems are helping to manage queues for COVID-19 vaccines at vaccination centres with Quiet Call Ultra Systems.

The UK Government has announced an ambitious plan to ramp up vaccinations to 2 million per week, this has inevitably led to large numbers of people queuing at vaccination centres across the UK with elderly and vulnerable people having to queue in inclement weather. With a Quiet Call Ultra patient calling system from Pager Call Systems patients can wait in their car and be called for their vaccination either by the smart Quiet Call Ultra Pager or via SMS Text Message.

Chris Hawkins Managing Director of Pager Call Systems commented “We have been supplying patient calling systems to the NHS for a number of years and are the largest supplier to hospitals in the UK, with the advent of COVID-19 we have seen an increased uptake in systems from hospital outpatient departments & GP Surgeries.”

“Using our system at vaccination centres makes perfect sense enabling the centre to not only manage the queue but also provide a better service to patients. With the volume of people visiting vaccination centres queues are unavoidable but if patients can wait in their cars at least they can avoid the cold and rain we have at this time of the year. All of our team are pleased to be involved with this fantastic initiative”

More information on our Quiet Call System can be found here, Patient Call System.